Wireless tape cartridge handling

ABSTRACT

The system includes a base frame and a controller attached to the base frame. An access point is attached to the controller. The base frame includes a plurality of tape drive slots. A plurality of frames are attached to the base frame. Each frame in the plurality of frames includes a plurality of tape slots. A tape cartridge is stored in a tape slot. An x-y-z movement system is connected to the base frame and the plurality of frames. A wireless network is connected to the base frame.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to the field of magnetic tapelibraries, and more particularly to wirelessly handling tape cartridgesin an automated tape library.

Magnetic tape data storage (e.g., an automated tape library) is a systemfor storing digital information on magnetic tape using digitalrecording. Modern magnetic tape is most commonly packaged in cartridgesand cassettes. The tape drive is the device that performs writing orreading of data on the magnetic tape. Autoloaders automate cartridgehandling and provide increased speed for accessing data. Severalcomponents in the cartridge handling system, including the x-y-z driver,x-slider, y-slider, and gripper, are connected via a flat, or ribbon,cable. A common cassette-based format is Linear Tape-Open (LTO). The LTOformat is available in a variety of densities and is manufactured byseveral companies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention include a system for wirelesslyhandling tape cartridges in an automated tape library. In oneembodiment, the system includes a base frame and a controller attachedto the base frame. An access point is attached to the controller. Thebase frame includes a plurality of tape drive slots. A plurality offrames are attached to the base frame. Each frame in the plurality offrames includes a plurality of tape slots. A tape cartridge is stored ina tape slot. An x-y-z movement system is connected to the base frame andthe plurality of frames. A wireless network is connected to the baseframe.

Embodiments of the present invention include a method for wirelesscommunication in an automated tape library. In one embodiment, a requestis received. The request includes an instruction to move an item from afirst location to a second location. The instruction is transmitted froman access point in a controller to a transceiver in a power-control unitusing a wireless network that connects the access point and thetransceiver.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a schematic of an automated tape library, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 depicts a schematic of a power-control module within an automatedtape library, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a program for replacing a power sourcethat is low on power, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart of a program for retrieving a tape cartridge,in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 depicts a block diagram of components of a computing environment,in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide for wirelessly handlingtape cartridges in an automated tape library. Current techniques forhandling tape cartridges utilize a flat, or ribbon, cable to providecommunication between the tape library controller, the x-y-z driver, andother components in the tape library. The flat cable is susceptible towear because of the flexing the cable receives while components are inmotion within the tape library to move tape cartridges between storageslots and tape drives, where the tape cartridge is either written to(storing data) or read (retrieving data). The wear to the cable mayresult in errors moving tape cartridges. Consequently, the cable needsto be replaced often.

Embodiments of the present invention recognize that there may be amethod, computer program product, and computer system for wirelesslyhandling tape cartridges in an automated tape library, which mayeliminate the need for the flat cable and the time required to replace aworn cable. Embodiments of the present invention may use a rechargeablepower source to provide power to the following: components within thetape library, charging stations within the tape library that providerecharging power to the rechargeable power sources, and a wirelessnetwork that provides digital communication between the library/chargingnetwork controller and the x-y-z driver/gripper in the library thatmoves the tape cartridges from one location to another within the tapelibrary. Throughout this document, x-y-z will refer to three differentaxes that the driver/gripper assembly can move within the tape library.In an embodiment, “x” will refer to horizontal (i.e., left/right)travel, “y” will refer to vertical (i.e., up/down) travel, and “z” willrefer to depth (i.e., front/back or in/out) travel.

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference tothe Figures.

FIG. 1 is a schematic of an automated tape library, generally designated100, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1provides only an illustration of one implementation and does not implyany limitations with regard to the systems and environments in whichdifferent embodiments may be implemented. Many modifications to thedepicted embodiment may be made by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention as recited by the claims.

In an embodiment, automated tape library 100 includes frame 1 102A,frame 2 102B, frame 3 102C, frame 4 102D, x-rail 104, x-slider 106,y-rail 108, y-slider 110, tape slot(s) 112, tape drive slot(s) 114, tapedrive(s) 116, gripper 118, x-y-z driver 120, charging network 122,charging station(s) 124, controller 126, access point 128, movementprogram 130, and power-control 202.

In an embodiment, frame 1 102A is the base frame for automated tapelibrary 100. Frame 1 102A is the primary unit of automated tape library100. In an embodiment, frame 1 102A includes components found in allframes of automated tape library 100 including x-rail 104 and y-rail 108(components of the automated tape library 100 rail system), internallighting (not shown), and tape slot(s) 112. In an embodiment, frame 1102A also includes components controller 126, tape drive slot(s) 114,and tape drive(s) 116.

In an embodiment, frame 2 102B, frame 3 102C, and frame 4 102D areexpansion frames, added to base frame 1 102A, to make a four-framelibrary that comprises automated tape library 100. In an embodiment,there are a maximum number of expansion frames, based on the technologyof the tape drive, which can be added to the base frame to comprise thetape library. In an embodiment, frame 2 102B, frame 3 102C, and frame 4102D include common components found in all frames of automated tapelibrary 100 including x-rail 104 and y-rail 108 (components of theautomated tape library 100 rail system), internal lighting (not shown),and tape slot(s) 112. In an embodiment, frame 2 102B, frame 3 102C, andframe 4 102D also include charging network 122 and charging station(s)124.

In an embodiment, x-rail 104 is a component in the rail system found inautomated tape library 100. X-rail 104 allows x-slider 106 to movehorizontally in the base frame and any expansion frames in automatedtape library 100.

In an embodiment, x-slider 106 is a carrier that moves horizontally onx-rail 104 within automated tape library 100. In an embodiment, x-slider106 includes y-rail 108 and x-y-z driver 120. One function that x-slider106 performs is positioning y-rail 108, and consequently gripper 118, inthe correct horizontal position for moving a tape cartridge withinautomated tape library 100.

In an embodiment, y-rail 108 is a component in the rail system found inautomated tape library 100. Y-rail 108 allows y-slider 110 to movevertically in the base frame and any expansion frames in automated tapelibrary 100.

In an embodiment, y-slider 110 is carrier that moves vertically ony-rail 108 within automated tape library 100. In an embodiment, y-slider110 includes gripper 118. One function that y-slider 110 performs ispositioning gripper 118 in the correct vertical position for moving atape cartridge within automated tape library 100.

In an embodiment, tape slot(s) 112 are storage locations for magnetictape cartridges, power sources, and charging station(s) 124 withinautomated tape library 100. Both the base frame (frame 1 102A) and theexpansion frames (frame 2 102B, frame 3 102C, and frame 4 102D) includeany number of tape slot(s) 112. In an embodiment, tape cartridges andpower sources may be stacked within a tape slot(s) 112 (i.e., one ormore tape cartridge/power source may be stored behind the front or firsttape cartridge/power source in the tape slot(s) 112).

In an embodiment, tape drive slot(s) 114 are areas within frame 1 102A(the base frame) of automated tape library 100 used for holding tapedrive(s) 116 and charging station(s) 124. In another embodiment, tapedrive slot(s) 114 are areas within frame 2 102B, frame 3 102C, and frame4 102D (the expansion frames) of automated tape library 100 used forholding tape drive(s) 116 and charging station(s) 124. The automatedtape library 100 technology determines the number of tape drive slot(s)114 found in the base frame.

In an embodiment, tape drive(s) 116 are the data storage devices thatread and write data on a magnetic tape cartridge. Magnetic tapecartridges are typically used for offline, archival data storage.Magnetic tape cartridges generally have a favorable unit cost and a longarchival stability. The number of tape drive(s) 116 found in automatedtape library 100 is determined by the number of available tape driveslot(s) 114.

In an embodiment, gripper 118 is an electromechanical device on y-slider110 for moving tape cartridges and batteries within automated tapelibrary 100. Gripper 118 can move a tape cartridge between tape slot(s)112 and tape drive(s) 116. Gripper 118 can also move power sourcesbetween charging station(s) 124, tape slot(s) 112 and power-control 202(to be discussed subsequently). In an embodiment, gripper 118 includestwo grabbers that physically grab and hold the tape cartridges or thepower sources within automated tape library 100. The two grabbers allowgripper 118 to grab the power source powering x-y-z driver 120 that isrunning low on power with a first grabber, move to charging station(s)124, grab the power source from charging station(s) 124 with a secondgrabber, and then swap the two power sources. While the power sourceswap is occurring, power is being supplied to the system by the secondpower source in power-control 202, which has a higher charge than thepower source in the first grabber that is being replaced.

In an embodiment, x-y-z driver 120 is the device that facilitates allmotion requests for gripper 118 within automated tape library 100. X-y-zdriver 120 receives input wirelessly from controller 126 via accesspoint 128.

In an embodiment, charging network 122 is an electrical circuit withinautomated tape library 100 that provides power to charging station(s)124 for charging the rechargeable power sources when the rechargeablepower sources are low on power. In an embodiment, charging network 122may be a one hundred twenty volt circuit. In another embodiment,charging network 122 may be a two hundred forty volt circuit.

In an embodiment, charging station(s) 124 is a device, powered bycharging network 122, which recharges the power sources used byautomated tape library 100. In an embodiment, automated tape library 100includes two charging station(s) 124. In another embodiment, automatedtape library 100 includes more than two charging station(s) 124. In anembodiment, charging station(s) 124 includes one slot for charging apower source used by automated tape library 100. In another embodiment,charging station(s) 124 includes more than one slot for charging a powersource used by automated tape library 100. In an embodiment, when apower source is fully charged by a charging station(s) 124, the powersource is removed from the charging station(s) 124 and moved to an emptytape slot(s) 112.

In an embodiment, controller 126 is a logic card that provides controlfunction to automated tape library 100 and charging network 122. In anembodiment, controller 126 includes access point 128 and movementprogram 130. Functions managed by controller 126 include centralizedmanagement of automated tape library 100, inserting and ejectingoperations for tape cartridges, automatic cleaning of tape drive(s) 116,status determination for automated tape library 100, and powerrequirements for charging network 122 (i.e., provide power to chargingstation(s) 124 when a non-fully charged power source is present andremove power to charging station(s) 124 when a fully charged powersource is present or when charging station(s) 124 is empty).

In an embodiment, access point 128 is a component in a wireless networkcapable of transmitting and receiving data. In an embodiment, accesspoint 128 may provide a connection to a hard-wired network. In anembodiment, access point 128 sends data to power-control 202 whichinstructs x-y-z driver 120 where to move (i.e., tape slot(s) 112, tapedrive(s) 116, or charging station(s) 124). For example, the instructionmay be to retrieve a tape cartridge from a specific tape slot(s) 112 inframe 4 102D and to put the tape cartridge in the first tape drive(s)116 in frame 1 102A so that data can either be written to or retrievedfrom the tape cartridge. In another embodiment, access point 128receives data from power-control 202. In yet another embodiment, accesspoint 128 both sends data to and receives data from power-control 202.In an embodiment, the data transmission is encrypted. In anotherembodiment, the data transmission is not encrypted.

In an embodiment, access point 128 includes movement program 130.According to embodiments of the present invention, movement program 130functions to move tape cartridges and power sources within automatedtape library 100. In an embodiment, movement program 130 receives inputof an instruction to move a tape cartridge, transmits the instructionwirelessly using techniques known in the art, directs the grippermechanism in automated tape library 100 to the proper location to grabthe tape cartridge, and directs the gripper to another location inautomated tape library 100 to place the tape cartridge.

In an embodiment, movement program 130 determines when a power source islow on power and requires swapping for a charged power source stored incharging station(s) 124. In an embodiment, movement program 130 managesthe power sources within automated tape library 100 (e.g., the locationof each power source and the charge level of each power source). In anembodiment, when a power source swap is required, the power source withthe highest charge in tape slot(s) 112 or charging station(s) 124 isselected. In another embodiment, when a power source swap is required,tape slot(s) 112 or charging station(s) 124 closest to the presentlocation of x-y-z driver 120 is selected. In yet another embodiment, thecurrent workload queue is used to determine which tape slot(s) 112 orcharging station(s) 124 is used for the power source swap (e.g., if onlyone tape cartridge movement is in the queue, any tape slot(s) 112 orcharging station(s) 124 may be used but if many movements are in thequeue, the tape slot(s) 112 or charging station(s) 124 with the powersource with the highest charge is used for the swap).

FIG. 2 is a schematic of power-control 202, generally designated as 200.In an embodiment, power-control 202 includes tray 204, transceiver 206,rpd slot 1 208, rpd slot 2 210 and rpd cage 212.

In an embodiment, tray 204 is a carrier added to x-y-z driver 120 thatfunctions to hold, in a mechanical manner, rpd cage 212. In anembodiment, tray 204 may also serve as a power pass-through, allowingpower to pass from rpd cage 212 to x-y-z driver 120.

In an embodiment, transceiver 206 is a combination transmitter/receiverof digital signals in a single package. In an embodiment, transceiver206 receives data from access point 128. In another embodiment,transceiver 206 sends data to access point 128 (as shown and describedin FIG. 1). In yet another embodiment, transceiver 206 both receivesdata from and sends data to access point 128. In yet another embodiment,transceiver 206 may send and receive data from one or more othercomponents of FIG. 1. In yet another embodiment, transceiver 206 maysend and receive data from other access points and/or transceivers notshown.

In an embodiment, rpd cage 212 is a rechargeable power device thatprovides power to x-slider 106, y-slider 110, gripper 118, x-y-z driver120, and transceiver 206. In an embodiment, rpd cage 212 includes twoslots—rpd slot 1 208 and rpd slot 2 210. In another embodiment, rpd cage212 may include more than two slots. In an embodiment, each slot in rpdcage 212 (e.g., rpd slot 1 208 and rpd slot 2 210) can hold onerechargeable power source used to provide power. In an embodiment, apower source held in rpd slot 1 208 and rpd slot 2 210 meets the sizerequirement of fitting into one of the tape slot(s) 112 for storage oncethe power source is fully charged. In an embodiment, automated tapelibrary 100 may include any number of power sources. The number of powersources required is based on the number of base and expansion framesincluded in automated tape library 100 as well as the anticipatedworkload for automated tape library 100. According to embodiments of thepresent invention, each rechargeable power source may be a battery usingany battery technology known in the art (e.g., lithium ion,nickel-cadmium, alkaline, etc.). In another embodiment, eachrechargeable power source may be any other power source known in the art(e.g., a super-capacitor, etc.) that meets the size requirements of thetwo or more slots in rpd cage 212 and meets the power requirements ofautomated tape library 100. In addition, each of the two or more slotsin rpd cage 212 includes the necessary circuitry required to deliver thepreviously discussed power. In an embodiment, each power source in rpdcage 212 includes at least one bar code label to distinguish each powersource from a tape cartridge and to differentiate the two or more powersources from one another.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of workflow 300 depicting a program for replacinga power source based on the power of the power source, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, themethod of workflow 300 is performed automatically by movement program130. In an alternative embodiment, the method of workflow 300 may beinitiated at the request of a user.

In an embodiment, movement program 130 determines the charge (step 302).In other words, movement program 130 determines the charge of each ofthe two or more power sources found in rpd cage 212. In an embodiment,the charge is a measure of remaining power stored in the power source.In an embodiment, any technique known in the art, such as a Coulombcounter, can be used to determine the power source charge. For example,power source “A” in rpd slot 1 208 has a charge of eight percent andpower source “B” in rpd slot 2 210 has a charge of ninety-five percent.

In an embodiment, movement program 130 determines whether the charge inany of the two or more power sources found in rpd cage 212 has reached athreshold (decision step 304). In other words, movement program 130determines whether a power source is running low on power (i.e., reacheda threshold level of charge) and needs to be replaced. In an embodiment,the threshold may be defined by a user. In another embodiment, thethreshold may be calculated by movement program 130 based on the numberof tape retrievals during the life of a power source. In an embodiment(decision step 304, NO branch), a power source has not reached athreshold level of charge; therefore, movement program 130 continues todetermine the charge of each of the two or more power sources. In theembodiment (decision step 304, YES branch), a power source has reached athreshold level of charge; therefore, movement program 130 proceeds tostep 306.

In an embodiment, movement program 130 switches power source (step 306).In other words, responsive to determining that a power source hasreached a threshold level of charge (decision step 304, YES branch),movement program 130 switches the source of power. In an embodiment,movement program 130 switches the power source from the power sourcelocated in rpd slot 1 208 to the power source located in rpd slot 2 210.For example, given an example threshold of ten percent, power source“A”, with a charge of eight percent, is taken out of service (i.e., isno longer powering a portion of the automated tape library) and powersource “B”, with a charge of ninety-five percent, is placed into serviceso that the necessary power requirements are provided by power source“B”.

In an embodiment, movement program 130 replaces the power source (step308). In other words, following the switch in power source (step 306),movement program 130 replaces the low-on-power power source with acharged power source. In an embodiment, the charged power sourceselected to replace the low-on-power power source is located in tapeslot(s) 112 or charging station(s) 124 closest to the present locationof power-control 202. In another embodiment, the charged power sourceselected to replace the low-on-power power source is the power sourcefound in tape slot(s) 112 or charging station(s) 124 with the highestcharge level. In yet another embodiment, the charged power sourceselected to replace the low-on-power power source is chosen based on theremaining workload (i.e., the remaining number of needed movements) inthe instruction queue. For example, power source “A”, with a charge ofeight percent, is replaced with a power source from one of the chargingstations with a charge of ninety-nine percent.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of workflow 400 depicting a program for moving atape cartridge based on an instruction, in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention. In one embodiment, the method of workflow 400is performed automatically by movement program 130 based on one or moreinstructions received from another computing device. In an alternativeembodiment, the method of workflow 300 may be initiated by a userinputting instructions directly to automated tape library 100.

In an embodiment, movement program 130 receives a request (step 402). Inother words, movement program 130 receives a request, from a user, tomove a tape cartridge from tape slot(s) 112 to a tape drive(s) 116 sothat data may be retrieved from the tape cartridge or a request, fromcontroller 126, to replace a rechargeable power source in rpd cage 212.In an embodiment, a user inputs a request to retrieve data stored to atape cartridge using an integrated management console (not shown) onautomated tape library 100. In the embodiment, the request is receivedby controller 126, which identifies and locates the specific tapecartridge where the requested data is stored. For example, “Joe” inputsa request to retrieve company tax records, stored to tape, from the lasttwenty-five years. The tape library determines that the requested datais stored to a tape cartridge identified as “TAXREC-HISTORY” via abarcode and that the tape cartridge is stored in slot “Row 3/Column 3”in the first expansion frame in the tape library.

In an embodiment, movement program 130 wirelessly transmits theinstruction (step 404). In other words, based on the received request(step 402), movement program 130 wirelessly transmits the instructionrequired to carry out the request. In an embodiment, controller 126inputs the determined tape cartridge location to access point 128, whichtransmits the instruction to retrieve the tape cartridge to transceiver206. In an embodiment, the transmission is encrypted to prevent anyoneelse from determining the transmission. In the embodiment, theencryption technique is any encryption technique known in the art. Inanother embodiment, the transmission is not encrypted. For example, theinstruction to retrieve the “TAXREC-HISTORY” cartridge stored in slot“Row 3/Column 3” in the first expansion frame of the tape library istransmitted with encryption from the tape library controller to thepower-control module.

In an embodiment, movement program 130 receives the instruction (step406). In other words, movement program 130 receives the transmittedinstruction (step 404) to retrieve a tape cartridge. In an embodiment,the instruction is received by transceiver 206, which is a component ofpower-control 202. In turn, power-control 202 passes the instruction tox-y-z driver 120 so that the cartridge can be moved from tape slot(s)112 to tape drive(s) 116 via gripper 118. For example, the instructionto retrieve the “TAXREC-HISTORY” cartridge stored in slot “Row 3/Column3” in the first expansion frame of the tape library is received by thepower-control module and is then passed to the x-y-z driver.

In an embodiment, movement program 130 executes the instruction (step408). In other words, the received instruction (step 406) to retrieve atape cartridge is executed by movement program 130. In an embodiment,x-y-z driver 120 positions gripper 118 by moving x-slider 106horizontally along x-rail 104 and y-slider 110 vertically along y-rail108 until gripper 118 is in the proper position to grab the requestedtape cartridge. In the embodiment, gripper 118 grabs the requested tapecartridge and holds it while x-y-z driver 120 moves the gripper intoposition at tape drive(s) 116 so that the tape cartridge can be insertedinto the tape drive(s) 116 and the data stored to the tape cartridge canbe read. For example, the gripper is moved to slot “Row 3/Column 3” inthe first expansion frame in the tape library so that the gripper cangrab tape “TAXREC-HISTORY” stored in that slot. The gripper is thenmoved to an open tape drive where the tape cartridge is inserted intothe open tape drive and the tax records are read and made available to“Joe”.

FIG. 5 depicts computer system 500, which is an example of a system thatincludes movement program 130. Computer system 500 includes processors501, cache 503, memory 502, persistent storage 505, communications unit507, input/output (I/O) interface(s) 506 and communications fabric 504.Communications fabric 504 provides communications between cache 503,memory 502, persistent storage 505, communications unit 507, andinput/output (I/O) interface(s) 506. Communications fabric 504 can beimplemented with any architecture designed for passing data and/orcontrol information between processors (such as microprocessors,communications and network processors, etc.), system memory, peripheraldevices, and any other hardware components within a system. For example,communications fabric 504 can be implemented with one or more buses or acrossbar switch.

Memory 502 and persistent storage 505 are computer readable storagemedia. In this embodiment, memory 502 includes random access memory(RAM). In general, memory 502 can include any suitable volatile ornon-volatile computer readable storage media. Cache 503 is a fast memorythat enhances the performance of processors 501 by holding recentlyaccessed data, and data near recently accessed data, from memory 502.

Program instructions and data used to practice embodiments of thepresent invention may be stored in persistent storage 505 and in memory502 for execution by one or more of the respective processors 501 viacache 503. In an embodiment, persistent storage 505 includes a magnetichard disk drive. Alternatively, or in addition to a magnetic hard diskdrive, persistent storage 505 can include a solid state hard drive, asemiconductor storage device, read-only memory (ROM), erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, or any othercomputer readable storage media that is capable of storing programinstructions or digital information.

The media used by persistent storage 505 may also be removable. Forexample, a removable hard drive may be used for persistent storage 505.Other examples include optical and magnetic disks, thumb drives, andsmart cards that are inserted into a drive for transfer onto anothercomputer readable storage medium that is also part of persistent storage505.

Communications unit 507, in these examples, provides for communicationswith other data processing systems or devices. In these examples,communications unit 507 includes one or more network interface cards.Communications unit 507 may provide communications through the use ofeither or both physical and wireless communications links. Programinstructions and data used to practice embodiments of the presentinvention may be downloaded to persistent storage 505 throughcommunications unit 507.

I/O interface(s) 506 allows for input and output of data with otherdevices that may be connected to each computer system. For example, I/Ointerface 506 may provide a connection to external devices 508 such as akeyboard, keypad, a touch screen, and/or some other suitable inputdevice. External devices 508 can also include portable computer readablestorage media such as, for example, thumb drives, portable optical ormagnetic disks, and memory cards. Software and data used to practiceembodiments of the present invention can be stored on such portablecomputer readable storage media and can be loaded onto persistentstorage 505 via I/O interface(s) 506. I/O interface(s) 506 also connectto display 509.

Display 509 provides a mechanism to display data to a user and may be,for example, a computer monitor.

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product at any possible technical detail level of integration.The computer program product may include a computer readable storagemedium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereonfor causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, configuration data for integrated circuitry, oreither source code or object code written in any combination of one ormore programming languages, including an object oriented programminglanguage such as Smalltalk, C++, or the like, and procedural programminglanguages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programminglanguages. The computer readable program instructions may executeentirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as astand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partlyon a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. Inthe latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user'scomputer through any type of network, including a local area network(LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to anexternal computer (for example, through the Internet using an InternetService Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including,for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gatearrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute thecomputer readable program instructions by utilizing state information ofthe computer readable program instructions to personalize the electroniccircuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of theorder noted in the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

The programs described herein are identified based upon the applicationfor which they are implemented in a specific embodiment of theinvention. However, it should be appreciated that any particular programnomenclature herein is used merely for convenience, and thus theinvention should not be limited to use solely in any specificapplication identified and/or implied by such nomenclature.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present inventionhave been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intendedto be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles ofthe embodiment, the practical application or technical improvement overtechnologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinaryskill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for wireless management of an automatedtape library, the system comprising: a base frame; a controller attachedto the base frame; an access point connected to the controller, whereinthe access point transmits at least one movement instruction; aplurality of tape drive slots in the base frame; a plurality of framesattached to the base frame; a plurality of tape slots in each frame ofthe plurality of frames, wherein a tape cartridge is stored in a tapeslot; an x-y-z movement system connected to the base frame and theplurality of frames; a wireless network connected to the base frame; apower-control unit connected to an x-y-z driver included in the x-y-zmovement system; a transceiver connected to the power-control unit; twoor more rechargeable power sources connected to the power-control unit,wherein at least one rechargeable power source of the two or morerechargeable power sources provides power to the power-control unit; acharging network, wherein the charging network connects the controllerto a plurality of charging stations in the plurality of frames; and aplurality of rechargeable power sources, wherein a location of eachrechargeable power source of the plurality of rechargeable power sourcesis selected from the group consisting of the power-control unit, theplurality of charging stations, and the plurality of tape slots, and theplurality of rechargeable power sources use a technology selected fromthe group consisting of an alkaline battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, alithium ion battery, and a super-capacitor.
 2. The system of claim 1,wherein the x-y-z movement system includes: an x-y-z driver; an x-railconnected to the plurality of frames; an x-slider connected to the x-y-zdriver, wherein the x-slider moves along the x-rail; a y-rail connectedto the x-y-z driver; a y-slider connected to the y-rail, wherein they-slider moves along the y-rail; and a gripper connected to they-slider.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the x-y-z driver controlsthe movement of the x-slider, the y-slider, and the gripper.
 4. Thesystem of claim 2, wherein the gripper includes two or more grabbers,and wherein the two or more grabbers are used to move a tape cartridgeor a rechargeable power source.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein thecharging network provides a wired connection between the controller andthe plurality of charging stations, and wherein the plurality ofcharging stations recharge the plurality of rechargeable power sourcesusing the wired connection.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein thewireless network includes the access point and the transceiver.
 7. Thesystem of claim 6, wherein the access point sends an instruction via thewireless network, and wherein the transceiver receives the instructionvia the wireless network.
 8. A method for wireless communication in anautomated tape library, the method comprising: receiving, by one or morecomputer processors, a request, wherein the request includes aninstruction to move an item within the automated tape library from afirst location to a second location; the tape library comprising: atleast one tape cartridge, at least one rechargeable power source, atleast one charging station, an access point capable of transmitting andreceiving data, and a transceiver coupled to a power-control unit, thetransceiver capable of receiving data from the access point andtransmitting data to the access point, and the power-control unit isconnected to a movement system for moving the items; wherein the item tomove is selected from the group consisting of the at least one tapecartridge and the at least one rechargeable power source, and the tapelibrary further comprising: at least one tape slot, a tape drive, atleast one charging station, and at least one rechargeable power deviceslot; and the first location and the second location is selected fromthe group consisting of the at least one tape slot, the tape drive, theat least one charging station, and the at least one rechargeable powerdevice slot; transmitting, by one or more computer processors, theinstruction, from the access point in a controller to the transceiver inthe power-control unit using a wireless network connecting the accesspoint and the transceiver; and receiving, by one or more computerprocessors, an indication from the transceiver, via the access pointover the wireless network, that the item has been moved to the secondlocation.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: transmitting, byone or more computer processors, the received request to an x-y-zdriver; and executing, by one or more compute processors, the receivedrequest, wherein the received request is executed by the x-y-z movementsystem based on one or more inputs from the x-y-z driver to move theitem from the first location to the second location.
 10. The method ofclaim 8, wherein the received request is selected from the groupconsisting of an instruction from a user to move a tape cartridge and aninstruction from the controller to move a rechargeable power source. 11.A computer program product for wireless communication in an automatedtape library, the computer program product comprising: one or morecomputer readable storage media; and program instructions stored on theone or more computer readable storage media, the program instructionscomprising: program instructions to receive a request, wherein therequest includes an instruction to move an item within the automatedtape library from a first location to a second location; the tapelibrary comprising: at least one tape cartridge, at least onerechargeable power source, at least one charging station, an accesspoint capable of transmitting and receiving data, and a transceivercoupled to a power-control unit, the transceiver capable of receivingdata from the access point and transmitting data to the access point,and the power-control unit is connected to a movement system for movingthe items; wherein the item to move is selected from the groupconsisting of the at least one tape cartridge and the at least onerechargeable power source, and the tape library further comprising: atleast one tape slot, a tape drive, at least one charging station, and atleast one rechargeable power device slot; and the first location and thesecond location is selected from the group consisting of the at leastone tape slot, the tape drive, the at least one charging station, andthe at least one rechargeable power device slot; program instructions totransmit the instruction, from the access point in a controller to thetransceiver in the power-control unit using a wireless networkconnecting the access point and the transceiver; and programinstructions to receive an indication from the transceiver, via theaccess point over the wireless network, that the item has been moved tothe second location.